In an interview with the news agency "Kabar," President Sadyr Japarov responded to remarks about the state of freedom of speech and human rights in Kyrgyzstan. He noted that the citizens of the country have the right to freely express their opinions, and the level of freedom of speech remains unchanged.
– Hello, Sadyr Nurgozhoevich! On January 28, five years have passed since your official inauguration as president. How do you assess the changes that have occurred in Kyrgyzstan during this period? Your achievements and the work of your team have been actively discussed in both local and foreign media, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Long-term problems have been addressed, large-scale international projects have been launched, and relations with partners have significantly improved.
However, some media outlets have pointed out a number of shortcomings, in particular, the deterioration of the situation regarding freedom of speech and human rights. How do you comment on these claims about the alleged rollback of the country from democratic norms?
– Hello. We have both freedom of speech and democracy. Compared to previous years, freedom of speech has not diminished; it may have even increased. Citizens freely express their thoughts on social media and in the press, discussing social and political issues and various government decisions. People openly share their opinions, make videos, and no one restricts them in this.
Of course, some may argue that law enforcement agencies detain people for their statements and violate human rights. However, it is important to understand that freedom of speech and democracy impose certain obligations.
Detentions occur not for criticism but for actions aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country or for open calls to violate constitutional order. We cannot simply ignore such threats.
Deprivation of liberty is a serious step. Law enforcement agencies act based on court decisions and gather evidence.
For example, last autumn, a conversation was recorded between one of the party representatives and a foreigner, in which plans for organizing mass riots were discussed. He even requested financial support from him.
When the law is violated, some claim to be journalists or bloggers. We are not against journalism, but we urge not to use freedom of speech as a cover for illegal actions.
Some, citing freedom of speech, incite interregional tension. Should we just watch as some turn the people against others?
Those who wish to hold protests can do so in Gorky Park, inviting the media and expressing their demands. It is only important that they do not interfere with the work of government institutions. This is a practice common in many countries.
It is easy to criticize by citing developed countries in Europe and America. But what is really happening there? In the USA, immigration police kill for disobedience, and Trump sued the BBC for 5 billion dollars.
In Europe, demonstrators are often dispersed, activists are arrested, and the rest are kept under control. This is reported by both the media and international research organizations. This is not always bad. I believe that the interests of the state, its security, and well-being should come first.
Undoubtedly, I believe that this aligns with the interests of society as a whole, including those citizens who sometimes, succumbing to emotions, speak of a "lack of freedom of speech" and "absence of democracy."
Therefore, as I have already said, there are no restrictions on freedom of speech or human rights in Kyrgyzstan. The claims of certain sources about a "lack of freedom of speech" or "violation of human rights" have no basis.
